SIBU – A significant allocation of RM231 million has been approved by the federal government for a major road upgrading initiative in Sarawak. The funding is designated for the Durin-Salim section, a key part of the broader Red Line Project.
The announcement was made by Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi during an inspection of the project’s progress in Sibu.
He confirmed that the substantial sum would be channeled to the Works Ministry (KKR), with subsequent construction being executed in phases. This approach is intended to ensure efficiency and prioritise the most critical sections first.
The specific segment slated for improvement spans 40.27 kilometres. The minister emphasised that the upgrade is a component of the government’s continuous strategy to reinforce Sarawak’s road network.
The primary objectives are to enhance safety, increase travelling comfort, and ensure the sustainability of the infrastructure.
Datuk Seri Alexander provided further details on the extensive scope of the overall Red Line Project. The endeavour has a total length of 136.74 kilometres and is categorised into short and long sections.
He stated that the project “will not only improve road safety and comfort, but will also help enhance connectivity between Sarawak’s cities, rural areas and inland areas.”
The short sections comprise nine existing overtaking lanes, totalling 17.1 kilometres, including five segments connecting Bintulu to Miri. The long-distance portions cover four main areas: Durin-Salim, Kemena, Tudan, and Batu Kawa-Padawan.
The minister gave assurances that the Ministry of Works and the Sarawak Public Works Department would persist in strengthening the state’s infrastructure through a holistic strategy.
He explained that this initiative aligns with the “Prosperous Government” concept of inclusive development, designed to ensure that the benefits of progress are widely distributed across the community.
